Riccardo Bestetti Bespoke projects. - Page 11

Roy, from your designs I see that you've really thought these pairs through. This is something I give high praise to, as going bespoke is really about finding how much of an artist one is.; or, learning something new about oneself with each passing order. Wear these in high health!

This thread is awesome. I have enjoyed it so much. Please keep the shoes coming. Are the ones above blue cordovan?

No it is just plain old calf leather

I am thinking about doing a boot in cordovan. Something like the Edward Green Dover, but as a lace up boot. In Cordovan with a thick rubber sole. Something like that would be excellent for winterwear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRaivio

Roy, from your designs I see that you've really thought these pairs through. This is something I give high praise to, as going bespoke is really about finding how much of an artist one is.; or, learning something new about oneself with each passing order. Wear these in high health!

Thank you very much, I should note however that not all pairs in this thread are mine. The sharkskin chukka's are T4s, C&A posted his U-Caps and the Croc/Calf mavericks are Riccardo's own shoes. The blue shoes that Riccardo put the brogueing on are for a fellow Dutch client. But we wil post (lots) more pictures in the future. I have plenty of shoes I still want to order with Riccardo and I know of several more people who want to do so.

IMHO the great thing about bespoke there really is no limitation other than your own imagination and the skill of the shoemaker. In the case of Riccardo I have found someone who is very creative and isn't afraid to experiment with shapes, models and colours. Over the past 2 years that I have been a client of him I have seen a steady improvement in his work. When I compare my first shoe, now about 1,5 years old, to the stingray. His workmanship has improved immensely. It's a great process to watch and also to get excited about as a customer.

Roy these shoes of Riccardo's are out of control beautiful...I can see why you love Bestetti. I think he is putting even the best of the Italian "calzolaii" to the sword with these shoes IMO. What is it? the aggressive French toecap... the heel counter...all of the above?

For me it is Riccardo himself. He is very good at interpreting what you want and translating that into the last en design of your shoe. I think the overal balance of his shoes are very nice. Especially if you look at the last of my stingrays. The stingray brings out the shape of the last very well. I am thinking about doing a very classic design next on that last. A black cap toe.

This was the first shoe I have of Riccardo's on that particular last:

If you look at my blue shoes with the R closure, you can see the shape is more agressive.

The more I look at Bestetti's shoes, the more I like them! The use of exotics is perhaps my favorite aspect. Daring & Bold styles with a flare that sets the wearer apart, while maintaining a classic elegance.

ALSO, I can't help but think that US vintage shoes were influential in some of the styles & designs. While US shoes now are relatively bland (the ones that still make the shoes in the US), 50+ years ago US makers were EXTREMELY daring with their use of Exotic leathers. The shoes pictured above (which I FREAKING LOVE) look very similar in design to a pair I recently posted in the Shoe Porn thread.

1930's Foot Joy Alligator & Suede Cap Toes.

And, YES I realize the laces are f**ked. I took the pics as soon as they arrived. They have sinced been replaced & re-laced.